On July 2, 2023 at 12:57 pm Gallatin County Dispatch received information that a family of 6 were lost while hiking the M Trail. The caller advised the family had run out of water and were stranded on a rocky portion of the mountain.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue volunteers from the Valley Section responded to the M Trailhead. Volunteers hiked in on foot and successfully located the stranded family. Search and Rescue volunteers escorted the family to the base of the trail head without incident.

Sheriff Springer reminds everyone to always carry enough food and water for an overnight hike, even if you only plan on a day hike, a device for navigation, whether that be a paper map or GPS device, and a charged cell phone to call for help should you need it.

Photos courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

Where it used to be that health benefits covered a very specific group of services and items, today’s employees and workplaces have evolved, and business leaders are starting to realize the advantages of taking a whole-body approach to health. Keeping employees healthy means you can rely on staff members that show up to work, are full of energy and ready to get the job done. There’s also a sense of happiness and job satisfaction that employees have when they feel their health needs are being taken care of by their employer.

If you’re ready to offer more to your employees, here are some tips and supplemental benefits that encourage better health and wellness.

Find Ways to Boost Physical Health

It's common knowledge that staying active is a great way to stay fit and in better health, but why leave that to employees to deal with only in their free time? You can encourage physical exercise in the workplace with many creative solutions.

Some of the things you may want to do include:

Not only will these tips help employees be more active at work, but they can help them to view their physical health in a whole other way.

Offer a Supplemental Benefit That Covers Health Food Purchases

While inflation is slowly coming down from the peak heights it reached in 2022, for many people, the cost of groceries is still much higher than it was before. Unfortunately, some of the biggest increases in grocery stores are on fresh healthy options, making food insecurity a real issue for people.

Consider offering a supplemental benefit that is meant to encourage a healthy diet and overall wellness with a healthy foods benefit card. A healthy food benefit card for groceries works by allocating health plan dollars towards specific food purchases, with no claims or copays to deal with and no cash withdrawals allowed. You'll be able to restrict the spending to the healthy products and foods found in stores, and it can be used at stores that employees typically shop at.

A well-balanced healthy diet is what fuels the body helping to give it strength, energy, focus, and concentration, fight off germs and viruses better, and even prevent diet-related illnesses.

Take a Close Look at the Office Furniture

While you may not think that office furniture has an impact on health and well-being, in reality, it plays a big part. Using office furniture that isn't comfortable or ergonomic means employees are more likely to have back, neck, shoulder and wrist pain. This kind of pain can become chronic and negatively affect their productivity.

Consider upgrading to better quality office furniture that offers sufficient support. You may also want to consider installing standing desks for any employees interested in the option.

Each of these tips can help provide employees with more control over their health and make improvements.

Montana Law Enforcement is planning increased patrols in the Bozeman area over the holiday weekend. Residents are encouraged to plan for a sober ride home.
 
+ Local law enforcement and the Montana Highway Patrol are increasing their presence and patrols during the Fourth of July holiday and the weekend before
+ Montana has the highest share of alcohol-related traffic deaths in the U.S. at 45%, and in 2021 63% of all fatalities were the result of impaired driving
+ To ensure the safety of communities across Montana, law enforcement encourages residents to make a plan to get a sober ride home before they start drinking and celebrating the Fourth of July
 
BOZEMAN – As the Fourth of July weekend approaches, the Bozeman Police Department and the Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) are encouraging Montanans to plan a sober ride home before they celebrate. The Fourth is one of the deadliest holidays in Montana, so law enforcement will be increasing patrols across the state and making DUI arrests to ensure every Montanan gets home safely. MHP and the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) are committed to reducing fatalities and serious injuries on Montana’s roadways.

 
State law is that if drivers have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher, they could receive a DUI charge and other serious consequences, including having their driver’s license revoked, being required to take mandatory classes, and receiving possible jail time and up to $10,000 in fines and legal fees.

 
“If you’re celebrating this weekend or on the Fourth, be sure to make a plan for a safe ride home,” said Joseph Swanson, Patrol Captain for the Bozeman Police Department. “The important thing to know is how you will get home before you go out. Designate one of your friends as a sober driver, arrange for a rideshare service, cab, or public transportation, or call a friend or family member. If you see your friends or family have had too much to drink, look out for everyone’s safety and make sure they have a sober ride home, too.”

 
Why is law enforcement on high alert during the holiday weekend? These are Montana’s sobering statistics:
+ Montana has the highest fatality rates in the nation for the number of deaths caused by impaired drivers per vehicle mile traveled
+ The state has the highest share of alcohol-related traffic deaths at 45% (2021)
+ 63% of all traffic fatalities in Montana are the result of impaired driving (2021)
+ 1,268 people were killed in crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver from 2012-2021
 
“By making a plan before you go out, you’ll help keep our roads safer for everyone and protect your community,” said Joseph Swanson, Patrol Captain for the Bozeman Police Department. “Make sure you celebrate responsibly as you gather with friends and family on the Fourth. Together we can keep our state safe.”

 
Montana Department of Transportation — Vision Zero 
This is a Vision Zero message from the Montana Department of Transportation. This and other enforcement and educational campaigns are strategies to reach Vision Zero — zero deaths and zero serious injuries on Montana roadways. For more information about Vision Zero, contact Janet Kenny, Montana Department of Transportation, at 406-444-7417 or jakenny@mt.gov.

BOZEMAN — Jodi Allison-Bunnell, head of Archives and Special Collections at the Montana State University Library, will be inducted this summer as a fellow of the Society of American Archivists, or SAA, the oldest and largest archivist association in North America.

The distinction of fellow is awarded for outstanding contributions to the archives profession and is the highest honor SAA bestows on individuals. Allison-Bunnell will be honored during a July 27 awards ceremony at the joint annual meeting of the Council of State Archivists and SAA in Washington, D.C.

Allison-Bunnell is one of four new fellows being named in 2023. That will bring the number of fellows for the SAA to 199.  

Doralyn Rossmann, dean of the MSU Library, said Allison-Bunnell is deserving of the prestigious award.

“I am thrilled to see Jodi recognized for her contributions to the archives profession with an award of the highest honor for an archivist,” Rossmann said. “During her time at MSU, Jodi has demonstrated a depth of knowledge and expertise with archival practices that have resulted in great improvements to the management and discoverability of the MSU Library's Archives and Special Collections. Resultingly, we are seeing more and more people interested in trusting MSU with their archives because they know that we will be responsible stewards of their materials."

Throughout her nearly 30-year career, Allison-Bunnell has been a champion for the discovery and use of archival collections, according to a press release from SAA announcing Allison-Bunnell’s fellowship.

“Her work is undergirded by inclusive and collaborative partnerships, a solid foundation in descriptive standards, and a focus on pragmatic solutions that have assisted archives of all types,” SAA noted.

Allison-Bunnell came to the MSU Library in 2020 as assistant professor, senior archivist and head of Archives and Special Collections, where she manages an academic repository and its staff. During her three years at MSU, she has focused on increasing the efficiency of the department’s work. In particular – and with the support of a Faculty Excellence Grant – she led a process to implement Lean, a method from industrial manufacturing that focuses on minimizing waste while maximizing productivity, for the library’s collection preparation. Allison-Bunnell said the work, which involved three departments in the library, resulted in higher quality, shorter and more predictable project timelines, and increased employee satisfaction. As part of the efforts, the library has also implemented new systems that help describe its collections in a way that can increase discovery and use.

“Underlying all of that is my sustained commitment to building a cohesive and functional team in the department and being part of doing so for the library leadership team,” Allison-Bunnell said. 

She noted that Archives and Special Collections has increased the number of classes that are invited to come into the archives and explore the collections as part of their research methods or other courses. This spring, Allison-Bunnell said, she taught or co-taught sessions for 23 classes.

Since her arrival at MSU, Allison-Bunnell has also published articles on the Lean process with colleagues at the University of Washington, as well as a paper on the future of increasing access to heritage collections nationally and a book chapter in a Stanford University Library handbook.

She previously worked as a consultant to cultural heritage organizations, including libraries, museums and archives, in the United States. In 2007, she became a program manager at the Orbis Cascade Alliance, where she led a regional program for archives and other cultural heritage institutions in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah and Washington. Archives West, as it is now called, is one of the largest U.S.-based finding aid networks, representing more than 50 contributors and 35,000 finding aids, and serves as a model for other regional, consortia-based archival description work. Finding aids are tools that help a user find information in a collection of materials, such as card catalogs, inventories and institutional guides. 

She has master’s degrees in library science and American history, both from the University of Maryland at College Park, as a well as a bachelor’s degree in English from Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington.

Allison-Bunnell said a “desire to time travel” is what led her to her career. After graduating from Whitman, she considered graduate school in English. But then she spent a summer working as a fire lookout in Washington state, a job that led her to produce an article on the experience for a local newspaper and to write about fire lookouts, culture and communication within the U.S. Forest Service.

“I had a thirst not just for old things, but to understand: ‘Why does this place look like this?’ What made this place?’ I had a desire to put the pieces together.”

Allison-Bunnell credits her adviser in graduate school, Frank Burke, with helping launch her career. Burke, the national archivist under President Ronald Reagan and an SAA fellow himself, encouraged her to revitalize the student chapter of the SAA at the University of Maryland and mentored her along the way.

Throughout her career, she has worked to increase access to content in archives, such as unpublished, original materials.

“This could be entirely unique, like a diary or a letter, or an author’s research papers, such as Ivan Doig’s notecards. He would overhear someone and say to himself, ‘This is an interesting phrase,’ and then write it down,” Allison-Bunnell said. “Those unique materials were created for one reason, such as an author’s research, and then brought into a research institution like MSU and used for another purpose.”

Allison-Bunnell said deciding what to collect poses many challenges for an archivist. She expects her next stage of scholarship to focus on this question.

“We have focused a lot on collecting the past. We’re thinking together about collecting more of the present,” Allison-Bunnell said. “Where will our efforts go? That’s a direction I’m really interested in exploring.”

Allison-Bunnell said it’s an exciting time to work in special collections and archives.

“We think the past is just gone and it doesn’t matter and we’re moving forward, but it’s always with us. It doesn’t ever really go away,” Allison-Bunnell said. “And we might as well understand it, because the world is a richer and more interesting place when we understand it.”

Unsafe river conditions following recent bridge collapse and train derailment

BILLINGS – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has implemented an emergency closure on portions of the Yellowstone River between Reed Point and Columbus following a partial bridge collapse and train derailment on June 24, 2023.

The Yellowstone River is closed to all public access 1 mile upstream and 2.5 miles downstream of the Twin Bridges Road railroad bridge in Stillwater County until further notice.

Debris from the Twin Bridges Road railroad bridge partial collapse and train derailment into the Yellowstone River has rendered this stretch of river unsafe for boating, floating and shoreline use. Clean-up and reconstruction in the area will also create hazardous conditions for the public. Signs informing the public of the closure will be posted at access points.

The closure of this portion of the Yellowstone River will remain in effect until FWP determines the river is safe for passage and human use.

River and access site closures are subject to change based on condition assessments and needs of emergency response agencies, including FWP.

For the full notice of adoption of the emergency rule, visit https://fwp.mt.gov/public-notices/news/2023/jun/0627-yellowstone-river-near-twin-bridges-railroad-bridge-emergency-closure

What fishing access sites are open?

All Yellowstone River fishing access sites are open in the area. For non-motorized boaters and floaters, Indian Fort Fishing Access Site (FAS) is the last public takeout before the closure.

Holmgren FAS, downstream of the closure, is open for boating and floating. Those traveling upstream from Holmgren FAS need to stay cognizant of the closure boundary.

Fishing access sites on the Stillwater River are open to public access, although Swinging Bridge FAS remains closed for construction.

Transforming your living room into an inviting space doesn't have to be a daunting task. With a few simple changes, like decluttering, rearranging furniture, or even considering renting new furniture, you can breathe new life into any space. 

Whether you're looking to create a more contemporary feel or just crave a fresh update, these straightforward strategies will help you effortlessly rejuvenate your living area while reflecting your unique personality and taste. 

So let's explore some effective ways to uplift your living room's ambiance and functionality.

1. Declutter Your Space

Decluttering your space is an essential first step to refresh your living room. Start by evaluating the items in the room and identifying those that are no longer useful or meaningful. 

Let go of the clutter to create a cleaner, more welcoming atmosphere. This process might involve discarding, donating, or repurposing some items; it leads to better organization and helps you appreciate the remaining pieces. 

By focusing on what truly matters and eliminating excess possessions, you'll establish a functional and visually appealing environment that significantly improves your living area's overall feel and appearance.

2. Consider Renting New Furniture

Renting new furniture is a fantastic way to update your living room without a hefty investment. For instance, you can enjoy stylish living room furniture in Harrisburg, or any other city that offers rental services, by swapping outdated or worn items. 

Renting allows you to experiment with trendy designs and stay current with the latest styles, all while maintaining financial flexibility. This approach is ideal if you frequently refresh your living space or wish to explore different aesthetics. 

Ultimately, renting stylish living room furniture keeps your home looking its best and helps achieve the inviting atmosphere you desire.

3. Rearrange Furniture

Rearranging your furniture is a simple yet effective way to refresh your living room. Moving pieces around can create a new layout that opens up the space, improving both its aesthetics and functionality. 

Begin by analyzing the current layout and visualizing different configurations that encourage better traffic flow or more intimate conversations. You may also consider focal points, such as a fireplace or a large window when positioning furniture strategically. 

Changing the furniture arrangement not only provides an instant update but also lets you experience your living room from different perspectives, fostering renewed enjoyment and appreciation for your space.

4. Paint or Wallpaper an Accent Wall

Painting or wallpapering an accent wall is a brilliant way to inject new life into your living room. By focusing on just one wall, you can make a significant visual impact without going overboard or overwhelming the space. 

Start by selecting a color or pattern that complements the existing decor while adding some contrast and interest. The accent wall should draw attention and become a focal point in the room, so choose a suitable location that highlights important areas, like behind a sofa or television. 

This transformation adds depth to your living room and creates engaging visuals for those who enter the space.

5. Update Window Treatments

Updating your window treatments is an often-overlooked method for revitalizing a living room. Replacing heavy, outdated drapes with modern curtains or blinds can significantly change the atmosphere and style of the space.

Consider various options, such as light-filtering shades, sleek roller blinds, or even custom-designed draperies to match your taste. When selecting new window treatments, factor in your need for privacy, temperature control, and natural light preferences.

This can also help you create an energy-efficient home. By carefully making these changes to your windows, you can elevate the overall ambiance of the room while also enhancing its functionality and comfort levels.

6. Install New Lighting Fixtures

Installing new lighting fixtures is an impactful way to refresh the atmosphere and functionality of your living room. Proper lighting can set the mood and even make the space appear larger. 

Consider adding a mix of ambient, task, and accent lights to create a well-balanced illumination plan. For instance, you might install a stylish pendant light for general lighting, place some cozy floor lamps for reading nooks, or use decorative sconces as accent lights on an accent wall. 

By updating your light fixtures thoughtfully, you can greatly improve how your living room looks and feels while ensuring it caters to various needs and activities.

7. Add Pops of Color With Decor Items

Incorporating pops of color through decorative pieces is a cost-effective and easy way to breathe new life into your living room. Items such as throw pillows, cozy blankets, and unique artwork can elevate your room's overall design without requiring significant changes.

Opt for colors that complement your existing decor while adding visual interest through contrasting tones or bold patterns. Don't hesitate to mix and match textures, styles, or materials — just make sure everything works harmoniously together. 

By thoughtfully selecting colorful accents, you'll create an inviting space that captures personal style while effortlessly energizing your living room.

8. Incorporate Greenery With Plants

Integrating greenery into your living room is a natural and visually appealing way to refresh the space. Adding potted plants or succulents throughout the area not only enhances aesthetics but also contributes to better indoor air quality. 

Start by choosing low-maintenance plants that are suitable for your room's light conditions and humidity levels. You can opt for tall plants to create striking focal points or smaller potted varieties for shelves and tabletops. 

Consider using creative planters that complement your decor style. By bringing in some greenery, you'll create a lively atmosphere while promoting a calming connection between indoor living and nature.

Now that you've discovered these valuable tips for refreshing and updating your living room, it's time to put them into action. Grab your creative spirit and jump-start the transformation process with confidence. Don't wait any longer; start turning your living space into a stylish and revitalized haven today!

Please be advised law enforcement and first responders are on scene at a multiple vehicle accident south of Big Sky on US Hwy 191 Gallatin Road near Walton Mine Road. Limited traffic is able to pass in either direction at this time. Please avoid the canyon if possible and if travel is necessary, use caution and expect delays. We will provide updates as they become available.

***

Shortly after 2 PM on Friday, June 23, Sheriff Dan Springer reports that the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office responded to a single-vehicle accident north of West Yellowstone at mile marker 37 on U.S. Highway 191.

The driver, 65-year-old Warren C. Johnson of Punta Gorda, Florida, was transported to Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center and later flown to St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Billings. The female passenger, a 61-year-old Anne E. Johnson also Punta Gorda, Florida, was pronounced deceased on scene.

Montana Highway Patrol is conducting the crash investigation and the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office coroners are conducting the death investigation.

Sheriff Springer wishes to express our deepest condolences to the Johnson family during this time.

Shortly before 9:00pm Thursday night deputies responded to an assault with a weapon in the Big Sky Town Center. The 33-year-old female victim sustained a non-life-threatening knife wound to her abdomen and was transported to Big Sky Medical Center and later to Bozeman Health Medical Center. The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in locating 26-year-old Samantha Furgeson and 52-year-old Justin Ruff for questioning regarding the incident. If you have information on the whereabouts of Ferguson or Roof you are asked to contact the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office at 406-582-2100.

Montana native with extensive experience in virtually all facets of finance and accounting is also an experienced skier, alpinist, ice climber, bow hunter and horsewoman

BOZEMAN —Peak Ski Company’s Cofounder and Chief Executive Officer, Andy Wirth, announced today that Becca Huyard has been promoted to the position of vice president of finance and accounting. Huyard most recently served Peak as its director of accounting. In April of 2022, the Peak Ski Company was launched, and after a tremendously successful first year in operation, the Company has been advancing and refining its core leadership team as it comes into the 2023-2024 winter season.

“Ms. Huyard’s strong finance and accounting skills coupled with her strategic insights and solid understanding of the consumer markets have made her an invaluable member of the team,” said Andy Wirth, Peak’s cofounder and chief executive officer. “Becca’s outdoor pursuits and the fact that she’s a hardworking and respected member of the team make her an ideal fit for the Peak Ski Company. Bode and I are grateful for her many contributions and thrilled to have her take on this important executive leadership team position here at Peak.”

“It is an amazing opportunity for me to be a part of Peak’s leadership team,” said Becca Huyard, Peak’s vice president of finance and accounting. “Pridefully based right here in my home state of Montana, Peak is a company and brand that immediately resonated with me. My roots here in Montana go back to growing up in Paradise Valley and taking on everything from working with cutting horses to ice climbing and bow hunting to dropping in the great couloirs at Bridger Bowl. Peak’s a perfect fit for me and I’m thrilled to have this opportunity.”

“Becca’s leadership skills and subject matter expertise has been on constant display since she started with us here at Peak. Shortly after her commencing work with us, it’s been her affinity for problem solving and thoughtful, creative and innovative disposition that differentiated her from many leaders in the field of accounting and finance,” commented Wirth.

Huyard will report directly to Wirth and will be responsible for overseeing all facets of financial management and reporting including key aspects of financial planning and analysis. Other responsibilities will include overseeing all aspects of Peak’s accounting including reporting, processes and systems, along with payroll and inventory management.

ABOUT PEAK SKI COMPANY, LLC:
Pridefully based out Montana and originates from the vision of its cofounders, Andy Wirth and Bode Miller. Wirth and Miller launched the Peak Ski Company in April of 2022 having set out to design and build the world’s best, high-performance skis for the core of recreational ski market. Contemporaneously, the cofounders took on the task of establishing the first direct-to-consumer ski company of scale, introducing a contemporary and entirely new way for skiers around the world to purchase skis. After its first year, Peak has established itself as a top-tier leader in the competitive global ski market and has received unprecedented ratings from the most respected and highly influential ski gear review media outlets in North America. The Company is headquartered out of Bozeman, Montana, which includes the Peak Showroom, the company’s offices and the Development Group & Innovation Center, a facility that hosts operations and the experimentation and innovation labs managed by Peak. For more information visit www.peakskis.com.